Incoming EU Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, has shown a growing interest in tech dossiers over her ten years as an MEP. Euronews analyzed her focus areas as a member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research, and Energy, revealing a particular interest in audiovisual laws and SMEs.
During her second mandate, Virkkunen asked more questions to the EU executive, with a focus on tech and industry topics. Her interest in audiovisual laws, intellectual property, and SMEs became more prominent during this time. She highlighted the importance of protecting the film and audiovisual sector from copyright infringement and emphasized the need for a common media data space for streaming platforms with a competitive advantage.
As a rapporteur on online platforms and the digital single market, and a shadow rapporteur on other digital market reports, Virkkunen has been actively involved in shaping digital policy within the EU. Her work also includes reports on cybersecurity and opinions on Horizon Europe funding.
In her upcoming role as EU Commissioner, Virkkunen will need to focus on facilitating AI innovation, implementing a Digital Networks Act, and strengthening cybersecurity. She has expressed a commitment to sustainable growth, which involves reducing bureaucracy, supporting SME entrepreneurship, continuing the green transition, investing in R&D, digitalization, and accelerating investments.
Virkkunen’s track record and expertise in technology and industry-related issues position her well to tackle the challenges facing the EU in the tech sector. She will face scrutiny from the Parliament next month as she outlines her ideas for the future of tech policy within the EU.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
